Canadian Butter Tarts

December 14, 2015

So as a Canadian living aboard I feel it is my patriotic duty to propagate Canadian culture wherever I go. So this year when deciding what holiday treats to whip up for my favourite Hungry Ghost Baristas and coworkers, I settled on the Canadian Christmas Classic, Butter Tarts. I packaged up each tart in a holiday box accompanied by a Christmas note (and explanation of the Canadianisms of this truly festive dessert). They were loved by all who received them. Merry Christmas! Continue reading “Canadian Butter Tarts”

New Article: DIY Professional Development for Adult Learners

October 17, 2015

I spend great deal of time writing about educational technology and showcasing resources I have created for the k-12 audience. Mostly because I love digital innovation, so I jump at any excuse to tinker with a new gadget. Even more than that I love creating new materials with bright colors and peppy text. You can’t take the elementary school teacher out of me even if you tried. However, a large component of my nine to five job is working with adult learners. Professional development was also the topic of my undergrad research project, and I design a fair amount of professional learning experiences for mature learners. This week I decided to share some of that knowledge as I discuss professional learning. So I took a break from app reviews and learning resources to talk a little about how adult learners can access learning in non-traditional environments. Below you will find a copy of my article for the Yellin Center Blog. Enjoy!

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Canadian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey

November 18, 2014

Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone, but luckily we Canadians live in America so we still have American Thanksgiving to look forward to. This recipe for Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey is my go-to for any meal intended to feed the masses. We hosted Canadian Thanksgiving a few weeks back where this dish was the main attraction. Next week, we will be cooking another bird for friends who remain in the city for American Thanksgiving, where again this recipe will take center stage. This non-traditional approach to prepping a turkey leaves you with a moist, succulent and flavorful meat that is always a hit. So be prepared to hide any remnants you want to keep for leftovers during your feast otherwise you may be disappointed to find nothing left once your guests depart. This thanksgiving we hope you enjoy your turkey, but most important savor those you share it with. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey”

Slow Cooked Homemade Buns

October 29, 2014

Here is another recipe from our Canadian Thanksgiving. By sharing all my kitchen secrets, I am really ensuring all you Americans are ready for your feast in just over a month. Now baking isn’t always my area of expertise, and I find bread to be a tricky culinary pursuit. However, as soon as I discovered that I can turn my slow cooker into an almost bread maker I was sold. Not only are these buns low maintenance and simple but they are also super healthy. You can pronounce every ingredient in them, and unlike their store bought counterparts there are no added sugars. Making bread at home is always a sure fire way to wow guests (little do they know how little work and how simple it is to do). Continue reading “Slow Cooked Homemade Buns”

Home is Where the Heart is

January 5, 2014

I am sitting here on my mom’s couch (American Translation: Sofa), not even having left the west coast yet, already going through a bout of recurring homesickness. I will miss the people and I will miss the beauty. However, during our time here I have come to realize just how spectacular and uniquely special it is that Jay and I get to call two very dynamic, wonderful cities home. I am in love with New York for all the bustle and activity it offers that Victoria doesn’t, while I cherish Victoria for all the charm, relaxed island pace and warmth that New York misses.

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Third Installment on the Columbia University Admissions Blog

December 20, 2013

This month I was asked to find a spare moment in the chaos of finals to talk about our plans for Christmas, either near or far from NYC. I chose to highlight some of the festive activities that we managed to squeeze in between laborious paper writing and those lengthy library sessions where you sustain yourself on a diet of coffee and determination.

Christmas in the City

December 13, 2013

Next week we will be jetting back to the island to enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends back home. However, before that happens we have been taking full advantage of Christmas in our new home. The holidays in the city have a little extra sparkle and a dash more whimsy than anything I have previously experienced. The lights begin being hung around mid November and by the time Thanksgiving comes around almost every street is adorned with silky red bows and fragrant evergreen wreaths. It is beautiful, and even the grinch-iest of grinch would have a hard time not warming to the Christmas spirit this city emits.

Currently I am in the midst of finals insanity in a way only grad school can muster. However, Jay and I have been taking study breaks to explore the festive undercurrents of New York City. Below I have chronicled some of our top holiday highlights. Warning this list is long and only scratches the surface of holiday offerings this city provides. There just may need to be a Christmas in the city 2.0 post to follow.

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Christmas Past: Hosting in an intimate setting

December 11, 2013

A little throwback to a Christmas past. Last season, an old friend of Jay’s was in town with a beautiful new girlfriend at his side so we hosted a little get together so we could meet her and eat our fill of scrumptious holiday foods. At the time we were waiting to move into our new house and were renting a great, little basement suite but that left space was at a premium. However, our lack of large dinner tables nor our quaint dwellings didn’t daunt of festive decor or vast spread of eats. Below I have detailed our menu for the event, as well as my meal prep tips for small space hosting. So here is a little inspiration for hosting the masses no matter how grand a place you call home.